A sightseeing and entertainment cruise ship caught fire near Fethiye, in Turkey’s southwestern Muğla Province, forcing more than a hundred people to abandon ship and jump into the sea for safety.
According to Xinhua News, the incident occurred at around 11 a.m. local time on the 13th, near a bay in the tourist hotspot of Fethiye. The involved cruise ship was sailing when a fire broke out for unknown reasons in its kitchen area, quickly spreading throughout the vessel.
The report states that there were a total of 115 people on board at the time. As the fire intensified, those on board donned life jackets and jumped into the sea to escape. The Turkish Coast Guard, coastal safety authorities, and medical rescue personnel rushed to the scene, while nearby boats also joined in the rescue and evacuation efforts.
Officials said the ship advertised itself as offering “unforgettable adventure trips” for children. All 115 passengers and crew members were evacuated ashore, with the evacuation mainly carried out by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard stated that they evacuated 107 people.
The Turkish Maritime Authority posted on its social media X channel that 11 people were taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation, but reportedly none suffered “serious injuries.”